The mission was started by a Jesuit priest named Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who first came to the area in 1692. The present day church was built from 1783-1797. A beautiful white mission style church this church lives up to its colloquial name of the “white dove.”
Located right off interstate 19 (click here for Map), the mission is only 14 miles south of Tucson, AZ. It makes for a good short rest stop, which for us, was just what we needed.

The mission is open every day of the year from 8:00-5:00PM. Admission is free (donations always welcome) and you can explore the wonderfully decorated chapel and museum.

To the side of the mission there is a little hill to climb where you can see a little grotto.

After walking back down from the grotto we tried some fry bread ($2.00 plain, $2.50 cinnamon sugar, $5.00 for “everything”).

There is also a little Arts and Crafts center, but both times we have been there hasn’t been many shops open (maybe there are more people there on weekends?).

After the mission we went to the Subway in Sahuarita, AZ and took some family pictures…